Dr. Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC), has expressed his thoughts on the recent customs duty exemption for cancer medicines.

“The exemption of customs duty on cancer medicines is a significant step towards making healthcare more accessible and affordable. This will help patients access quality cancer care and will reduce the financial burden on patients,” Dr. Nagarkar stated.

However, he pointed out that customs duties on Radiation Therapy equipment and PET/CT scan equipment, which are not manufactured in India, should also have been exempted. “Duty on these equipment eventually makes patient care more expensive,” he explained.

Dr. Nagarkar also highlighted the need for strengthening public healthcare initiatives, particularly in rural areas. “Every section of society deserves the best quality healthcare. On one hand, we talk about heart transplantation and CAR T Cells therapy, while on the other hand, the basic requirements for cancer care and cardiac care are missing. Those opportunities should have been created.”

As an oncologist, he emphasized the necessity for the government to focus on high-end treatments like Radiation Therapy and Bone Marrow Transplant. “The Government needs to look toward high-end treatments and make these within the reach of the common man.”

Despite these concerns, Dr. Nagarkar commended the government’s employment-linked schemes. “This year’s budget has put significant focus on employment generation and skill development, which will ensure that the youth remain more focused and work towards the country's growth,” he concluded.